Emergency hormonal contraception in adolescence

To analyze the degree of knowledge of Brazilian adolescents regarding emergency contraception (EC) such as correct administration, frequency of use, efficacy, mechanism of action, adverse effects, and complications.

Cross-sectional study. Adolescents aged 11-19 years answered a questionnaire containing questions about sexuality, knowledge, and use of EC.

Out of 148 adolescents who were interviewed 8% did not know about the EC. Among the sexually active, 56.7% used EC at least once. The chance of obtaining EC information with friends triples between 15-19 years old [p=0.04; OR=3.18 (1.08-10.53)]. Most used single-dose EC. They said that EC prevents 80% of pregnancy and should be used within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Only 41.2% between 10-14 years old and 82.4% between 15-19 years old know that it prevents fertilization. As reasons for using they cited: rape and unprotected sex in 58.3% of those aged 10-14 years old and 79.6% between 15-19 years old. About side effects, 58.8% of 10-14 years old and 17.6% of those aged ≥15 years old could not answer, but 60.5% between 15-19 years old mentioned nausea and vomiting. A significant portion (17.6-41.2%) believes that EC causes abortion, cancer, infertility, and fetal malformations. Over 80% of the girls agree that it can cause menstrual irregularity.

Knowledge regarding EC is not satisfactory, especially regarding its risks, regardless of the age and education of the groups evaluated. Improved knowledge may lead to greater adherence to EC and lead to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies.